Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Blurry Can Be Beautiful



What do I love about Christmas? I can’t get enough of staring at a lit-up Christmas tree in the dark with my glasses off. Sound bizarre? Hey, don’t knock it until you try it.
I am the oldest of four sisters and two brothers. Needless to say, there was a lot going on in my house. Down time was at a premium. So during the holidays, commotion was at an all-time high, between decorating the tree, baking cookies and wrapping the gifts. During the day, I would see glimpses of the Christmas tree between parents telling me to do this and that. All their hurriedness and requests made me dizzy. I just wanted some holiday peace.
So when everyone went to bed, I would sneak into the living room and gaze at our tree. This was back when environmentalism wasn’t even heard of, so we kept the Christmas tree lights on all night. After a while, I would get tired and take off my glasses. The blurry tree was awash in hazy, tear-stained circles of light, like a city street after a heavy rain.
As those globs of light twinkled in our silent living room, I felt the inner peace the holidays are supposed to bring.


This piece was inspired by State Of Discontent’s valient effort to win a Christmas tree for her family.
Happy Holidays, everyone.

5 comments:

pixiemama said...

I love that too. LOVE it!
Then, when I'm done loving it, I go back to being grateful for corrective lenses.

Merry Christmas!

Laurie said...

I sit alone and look at the lights, too. I'll try the blurred effect tonight. xoxox

Kathleen said...

merry christmas to you, no glasses yet, but i can squint! Hope you and your family have a wonderful time.

Maude Lynn said...

I do this, too!

Janice said...

I love that too! How wonderful that you put it into words.